An airline has withdrawn its Cornwall to London Gatwick service earlier than planned, blaming rising costs and declining passenger demand.
Skybus confirmed that its Newquay to Gatwick route has now ended, despite originally being scheduled to continue until the end of May. The final flight operated last Thursday, bringing forward the closure of the service by several weeks.
The airline says a sharp increase in fuel prices has made the route financially unsustainable. At the same time, it reports a drop in passenger numbers, which has further contributed to the decision to halt the service ahead of schedule.
The Newquay to Gatwick connection had been running under a Public Service Obligation, aimed at maintaining vital transport links between Cornwall and London. The early withdrawal is likely to be a blow for passengers who rely on the route for business, tourism and onward travel connections.
Skybus has apologised for the disruption caused and says it is contacting affected customers directly. Passengers who had booked flights beyond last Thursday will be offered full refunds.
The move highlights ongoing challenges facing regional air travel, particularly as airlines continue to grapple with higher operating costs and fluctuating demand. For Cornwall, the loss of the service could make travel to the capital more difficult, especially in the lead-up to the busy summer period.
Skybus have placed the following statement on its website:
These services were operated under a Public Service Obligation (PSO), which was originally scheduled to conclude on 31 May 2026. However, due to circumstances beyond our control, services will now cease earlier than planned. The final flights in each direction will operate on Thursday 2 April 2026.
Customers with bookings for travel throughout April and May are being contacted directly. All affected customers are entitled to a full refund, which will be processed back to the original method of payment.
We sincerely apologise for the disappointment and inconvenience this will cause and appreciate your understanding.
If you require assistance, please contact our Customer Service team:
- Email: customerservice@skybus.co.uk
- Live Chat: via this website
- Telephone: 01736 334220
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